Issue 1 2019

RGS Newsletter Terms 1 & 2 2019

Autumn Edition INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Christmas Message from RGS Directors' 'We are One' Update 2 Senior Prize Giving 2019 3 Reflections 4 RGS Trip to Poland - Reflections 5 Auschwitz Annual Autumn Concert 6 Tea Time Concert 7 RGS Carol Service Nchant in SSAFA Concert Nchant in Joint Concert with Vox Anima 8 Choirs at Care Homes New Executive Team 9 Creativity, Activity and Service Sports News 10 RGS Charity Fundraising Children in Need 11 Japan 2019 Senior Citizens' Christmas Party 12 Windrush Project Art Trip - Imperial War Museum 13 Year 12 and 13 Art Visits Air Ambulance Poems 14 Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award 15 Future Events: The Crucible FlairX 16 Looking Ahead - Important Dates for Terms 3&4 2020 17 December 2019 Issue 1 2019 Term 1&2 RGS Newsletter

C HRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM RGS

Dear Parent/Carer

As I write to you in my last newsletter as Acting Head of School, Christmas preparations are well underway at RGS with our annual Christmas decoration competition happening this week, and staff are waiting in anticipation to see who has made the cut for the Sixth Form entertainment on the last day of term.

As you can see by the many different reports and images of life at RGS during terms 1 and 2, it has been another impressive start to the academic year. It was fantastic to see so many students achieving their Gold Duke of Edinburgh award, an outstanding achievement for both the students and the staff who supported them along this journey. The successes of our students were also celebrated at our annual Senior Prize Giving which saw prizes for both academic progress and attainment alongside awards for service to the school and commitment to supporting others. It was lovely to see how many students and parents were able to attend and also to hear a former student give such an inspiring speech about the importance of mental health.

Similarly terms 1 and 2 appear to have been the ‘terms of the trips’ with many thoughtful and life changing experiences taking place, most notably in Japan and Poland, where students and staff had extremely emotional experiences and learnt more about the terrible tragedies that took place at Auschwitz. Students were also able to once again work closely with MACA and attend the opening of the Windrush exhibition and complete some fantastic musical work with Alexander D’Great – an amazing opportunity and one we feel very fortunate we were able to be involved in.

Creative talents have once again been showcased with our music department being typically busy, organising an impressive array of concerts showcasing the outstanding talents of the students at RGS. It was particularly heart warming to see the choirs go out on their annual trips to the local care homes to sing carols. I know these visits, along with the Senior Citizens’ Christmas party run by our Year 12 students, are treasured by the local community. Our Drama department and the Flair team are busy rehearsing and co-ordinating their shows ready for next term and I hope to see many of you there at what I am sure will once again be an outstanding performance. Not to be outdone, our PE department have once again showcased the versatile talents of our students from netball to pistol shooting: being immensely successful in all sports they participate in. Both they and the students should be rightly congratulated for the fantastic achievements.

Finally, I would like to congratulate and thank our new Executive team of Chloe, April, Treasure, Anya and Brooke. They have certainly hit the ground running, with their support with the school carol concert and helping to organise the collection of many goods for the homeless at Christmas being particularly impressive. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the old Executive Team of Ellie, Mayong, Michelle, Amy and Magda for all of their hard work for RGS and thank them for the support they have offered me in my acting headship. They have been ever reliable and dependable and I know all have extremely high aspirations for their future study which I am confident they will achieve. Having spent a year working closely with them I also know whatever field they decide to work in they will certainly be an impressive force to be reckoned with.

Mrs Wadey Acting Head of School Page 2 RGS Newsletter

‘ WE ARE ONE’

The Thinking Schools Trust is made up of four hubs of schools in Portsmouth, Chatham, and . in Deal is part of the Kent hub, along with The Rochester (RGS) in Medway and our staff work very closely with each other to ensure that all students receive the very best learning opportunities. This term, for example, teachers across both schools have been working very closely to shape the grammar stream in Years 7 and 8 at Goodwin Academy. As Director of the hub, I want to be able to share with you some of our stories so that you can see what connects us and what makes us #ProudToBeTSATKent.

This term saw RGS receiving Advanced Thinking School reaccreditation from the University of Exeter; its research into cognitive education is shared not only within school, but with the wider community, and has a significant impact on the outcomes of students. Goodwin Academy is on a journey to becoming a Thinking School this year and students are already becoming very adept at using the thinking maps, thinkers’ keys and six hats. Goodwin also received the prestigious Artsmark Silver Award this term for its rich arts offering and for the cultural experiences it provides for its students. Congratulations to both schools for these impressive achievements.

Nearly £600 was raised across the hub for Children in Need this year with Goodwin Academy bravely showcasing the talents of its staff in its ‘Teacher’s Got Talent’ competition. Teachers demonstrated their singing, dancing and even their rapid apple breaking abilities, with none of the acts being ‘buzzered’ out! RGS held a lunch time Pudsey Party where there was a ‘Battle of the Bands’ contest and various staff members, disguised as the famous bear, popped up in locations around the school throughout the day. It is wonderful to see so much creativity being put into this event to make it such an enjoyable fundraiser, supporting a charity which aims to change the lives of children and young people across the UK. Goodwin’s charity work continued with the Deal Area Foodbank and the impressive £483 that was raised for Movember (the men’s health charity). The charitable work across the hub has raised well over £1000 this term to make a positive difference to people’s lives.

As Mrs Wadey has already mentioned, in the creative arts, RGS students created and performed a song at an exhibition to celebrate the tremendous contributions of the Windrush generation. This was a joint venture between the Medway African and Caribbean Society (MACA) and the Historic Dockyard, Chatham. Students wrote a song called ‘We Should Make a Change’ with the help of the musician Alexander D’Great and they made the ITV and BBC South East 6 O clock news. At Goodwin Academy, Panto season is in full swing (‘oh yes it is’) and with three casts and over 12 performances, students are reaching out to their entire community with their version of Dick Whittington. Well done to all staff and students involved in these inspirational, memory-making projects.

Numerous trips have taken place to enrich the learning experiences this term. At Goodwin, students have visited the Turner Gallery, Dover Castle, the Theatre Royal, Margate (to see Macbeth), Crown Court and Pfizer’s community laboratory. RGS students have been on their very moving bi-annual trip to Poland, where they visited Krakow and Auschwitz. Some RGS students went on a Japanese exchange where they visited Tokyo and Kobe. Whether local, regional or global, any trip is an enriching opportunity for students to learn about culture and the arts outside of the classroom and to build their ‘cultural passport’.

Teaching is one of the most rewarding and enriching professions as you are transforming the life chances of children and young people and helping them to carve out their pathways and future successes. Making a difference to so many pupils on a day to day basis and over the years is truly special. If you are interested in a career in teaching or know of anyone who would be, we are running a recruitment event at , Magpie Hall Road, Chatham, ME4 5JB on Tuesday 21st January 2020 from 5-7pm. For more information, please contact our HR team on 0333 360 2050 or [email protected]. At this event, we will be able to share with you any employment opportunities in our schools and talk to you about our new, exciting venture, our very own School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) branch of our Trust which we will be launching in September 2020. Our SCITT provides aspiring teachers with an exciting opportunity to train directly in our schools and there are various government bursaries available to support graduates through the training year. We are currently recruiting for our SCITT and have had much interest already from undergraduates in their final year of their degrees.

I am very proud of all of the achievements of the pupils across the Kent hub and wish to thank staff, parents and governors for all of the support they provide to their schools. I wish you all a happy Christmas with your friends and loved ones and I look forward to providing you with another update at Easter time.

Mr Bassan Director of Education (Kent) Issue 1 2019 Page 3

S ENIOR PRIZE GIVING 2019

On the evening of Thursday 31st October, students from professions and making changes at an individual and Years 11, 12 and 13 gathered in the hall, accompanied by their organisational level to improve well-being. Despite her countless proud families, so that they could be presented with a range of academic and career successes, Mahrukh was happy to talk about certificates and awards based on their efforts in the summer. the struggles that she has faced on her journey and the damaging All students were being recognised for their outstanding nature of the pressure we are all guilty of placing upon ourselves. progress and achievement during internal and external She was an inspirational speaker to a hall full of talented, examinations, which are always a daunting prospect. Our aspirational students. students showed real resilience to not only meet this challenge but, in many cases, surpass it. Mr Dowling, Assistant Princpal

We also celebrated the success of two Year 9 students at this year’s Prize giving who demonstrated excellence over their time in KS3 and received awards for Outstanding Attainment and Outstanding Progress.

Academic success was not the only achievement to be acknowledged. Awards were also presented to students for their sporting prowess, as well as special awards for students who have impacted upon school, the community or wider society in a positive and inspiring way. The talent of the students was exemplified by the impressive musical interludes throughout the evening.

The guest speaker was Mahrukh Khwaja who is a prominent dentist and a keen advocate for mental health. She was also an RGS student from 1996 – 2003. Mahrukh spoke about a range of issues including raising the visibility of women in certain

Mrs West, Chair of the Alumni presenting the Alumni Prize for Services to the Wider Community Page 4 RGS Newsletter

R EFLECTIONS

Since I was 8 years old and read ones that I am sure will be with us for the emotional impact of these sites. I had the Anne Frank's diary, I have been desperate rest of our lives. In this report, I want to privilege of reading a Jewish Memorial to find out more about the Second World attempt to summarise some of the most Prayer next to one of the Ash Ponds near War. I was lucky enough to visit Anne memorable moments for me. the site of Gas Chamber Number 4 in Frank's house whilst on a choir tour trip Birkenau. The sun had just begun to set, to Amsterdam earlier this year and was One of these moments was when my group deeply moved just by visiting the home of visited the Commonwealth War Grave in someone who had such a profound effect the Rakowicki Cemetery. This was not Crematorium A at Auschwitz on my life. However, this in no way even a planned event, and yet the serene prepared me for the impact a trip to nature of the graveyard hidden amongst Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration normal graves was almost surreal. It is camps would have on me. important to remember that no battles were fought in this area and, in fact, the only On 18th October, two groups of students conflict that happened in Poland in the from Years 11, 12 and 13 flew from Second World War were the German and Stansted and Luton airports to Krakow in Soviet Invasions, so all of the Poland. Over the course of the next three Commonwealth soldiers who lay there days, the students visited a variety of were probably either prisoners of war or important historical places, including the part of the air force. Nonetheless, there are and the overwhelming stillness that came old Jewish town of Kazimierz, the Jewish 483 Commonwealth casualty graves (with when I was done and looked out to the Ghetto, and the Nazi concentration 482 of these identified), 24 non-war graves remains of the camp is something I will camps of Plaszow, Auschwitz and and 15 Polish war graves. To witness for never forget. Birkenau. The combination of myself the sea of white headstones and to knowledgeable teachers and tour guides know that there were men of all Overall, the school trip to Krakow was the who came with us gave us all information nationalities who were laid to rest in an most moving and challenging one I have and, more importantly, an insight into unknown country far from home was ever (and probably will ever) go on. The something that resonated closely with me. entire experience was undoubtedly Furthermore, to see gravestones for soldiers emotional but also transformed my Birkenau Extermination Camp from Maidstone truly showed me the previous conceptions of the places visited. widespread impact of the war on the world. Of course, there were other more upbeat moments too (such as the jokes over dinner However, undeniably the most important or when the coach did not turn up to day for me was the second one. This was collect the Luton group!) and this is why I the day when both groups had the life have no doubt my experience will stay changing opportunity to visit Auschwitz with me forever. If you take one thing concentration camp and Birkenau away from this brief review, it is that I extermination camp. Ironically, I can think everyone should try to visit hardly put into words the emotions I felt Auschwitz in their lives as it has made me when walking around these sites and I do a more empathetic person and very aware not want to explain the things I saw. This is of the consequences of conflict. Thank you what life would have been like living in simply because no description in a page for reading. Krakow and the camps nearby during the long report could ever do the experience Nazi regime. Krakow was an incredibly justice. For me, the trip highlighted that April Wells, 12 Tm2 beautiful place to see first hand, and this Auschwitz and Birkenau are places that meant that the horrors of the everyone should try to visit, to see first concentration camps were so much more hand the capabilities of humanity and also shocking. The connections we were able to emotionally connect to all of those who to make between the places and the either suffered or died at the camps. No individual people who suffered there are amount of research can prepare you for the Issue 1 2019 Page 5

R GS TRIP TO P OLAND— REFLECTIONS

On the weekend 18th-20th October, 73 students from Years 11, 12 and 13 (along with 8 teachers) visited Krakow and Auschwitz- Birkenau extermination camp. This was my fifth visit to Auschwitz and, I think surprisingly, for me the most moving.

Partly this was due to the way the tour was focused: effectively, we followed the story of the Jews in Poland. This started with their life before the arrival of the Nazis in Kazimierz with its picturesque synagogues and cafes, followed by their forced movement into the ghetto of Podgordze. Crossing the River Vistula marked a transition from freedom to captivity that I had not really considered before. The story of Jewish persecution then escalated to the brutality of the concentration camp at Plaszow. For my group, this story was completed in a single day- and it was brutal in its intensity. The culmination of this was the tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination camp on the Saturday. As always, walking through the site of more than 1 million murders was incredibly moving, but the fact that we had followed the journey of the Jews leading up to this event only heightened this. For me, this “journey” reached an emotional conclusion on the last day when we met Lidia Maksymowicz, a survivor of Birkenau. The audible intake of breath from more than 80 people as she showed her tattoo was a testament to the impact that the whole visit had on each person in the audience.

The second reason it was so moving was the attitude of the students. They were amazing. I know we expect excellent behaviour on trips abroad, but the level of engagement with the horror of what we were studying was deeply impressive and maintained for the whole trip. It is difficult to explain this without a detail and, apart from their engagement with Lidia Maksymowicz, the reaction that best sums it up for me was at Plaszow. Although Plaszow looks little different to a country park, with few remains of the camp that once stood there, you could tell each student felt the importance of it. Near the top of a hill, there was a sign. Our guide suggested we might not want to read it as it was so upsetting. Every member of my group read it. For the next few minutes, there was hardly any noise, merely quiet contemplation of the misery of the place we were in, interjected by some tears. It genuinely moved me to see how completely they understood where they were- and its importance.

So, the last thing I wish to say is “thank you”. Thank you to the staff who made all of this possible. And thank you to the students. You were exceptional. As a teacher, I sometimes lose track of why I teach- that moment on a hill in Plaszow reminded me of the power of learning and the importance of having a connection with the past.

Mr Edmunds

A USCHWITZ

A million lives replayed as I walked along Barks of the murder hounds like a verse in a song Labour camps and death camps took god given lives, And the birds have fallen silent, in memory, like I Yet God didn’t protect you from sleeping on knives, As I waltzed through the gate marked ‘Arbeit mach frei’ And We didn’t protect them or save them or try. It’s like we gave in to prejudice and left them to die ‘Set me free’ I’d have thought, from the Gettos and selections From the street violence and blood spilled and the failed We pushed them aside for the swastica cannibals, resurrections Who burned them alive then called them the animals, But I would soon realise that I was in no holiday home They called it justice but without a fair trial; But that I’dwillingly wandered into a nazi catacomb Why waste your time for another body on the pile?

I walked through as a tourist not a criminal or victim Let this be a lesson to all of humanity: And admired the camp that others had ‘lived’ in That we must not be swallowed in selfishness and vanity. But ‘lived’ is an awfully Naive way to describe it You still followed the leader when he murdered another, For How can one live even if they survive it? You didn’t care till it was your sister or brother

How can one live when they’re just a resource, finite? the one thing that stays with me is the aura of death How can one think with their mind not their appetite? I can still taste gas with every intake of breath. How can one breathe in the air mixed with ashes Yes, I came as a tourist. Not to die, but to grieve Why would one live if they aren’t one of the fascists? Grieve The slaughter of children; who never got to leave.

And you’d think that from Auschwitz it doesn’t get any lower, Hannah Tomlin, 11 Sv3 But the Jews don’t refer to just ‘labour camps’ in the ‘Shoah’ They mean mass killings and murder and kids that had died The ‘shoah’ refers to a half hearted, genocide

They built an ‘extension’ to Auschwitz like a conservatory, A construct, a shrine, and on earth- a purgatory; Where dead babies bathe in their own mother’s hair, Where Hitler has brought us his own devil’s lair. Page 6 RGS Newsletter

A NNUAL AUTUMN C ONCERT

On Friday 15th November 2019, RGS hosted its annual Autumn After a short interval, the music began again. The RGS Gospel Concert. This truly inspirational evening was a celebration of the Choir opened up the second half with their moving renditions range of musical talent we have at our school, showcasing of 'Could've Been Me' and 'My Heart Sings'. For me, the soulful ensembles and soloists alike in a two hour concert. The event was performance truly touched the audience and as always provided completely 'sold out', with all 220 tickets being reserved by parents, some beautiful time for reflection. carers and friends beforehand. As a listener, soloist and member of three school ensembles, I look forward to this event every year, and After this, it was my time to perform! I played the piano and the 2019 concert was a huge success as always. sang 'Your Song' by Elton John and Bernie Taupin. It was a rather large challenge as I had had tonsillitis for the week before The night began with the RGS Symphony Orchestra performing but I did my best and was very grateful for the applause from two pieces: 'Hungarian Dance No. 5' and a medley of 'Disney Film the crowd. Favourites'. As soon as the music began, the atmosphere in the hall was electric, and being on the stage with the rest of the orchestra The second to last ensemble to perform was Dynamic Voices, was a very proud moment for me. led by Emma Beniston and Lucy Ogden. This is a choir that allows girls from all years to join, regardless of ability and yet This was then followed by the Year 7 Choir performing three of the this in no way affected their performance. They sang 'For songs they have been learning this term. Their renditions of 'Hold Good' from the musical Wicked as well as 'Do-Re-Mi' from the Back the River', 'Someone You Loved' and 'Walking on Sunshine' Sound of Music. Both arrangements were fantastic and you were a credit both to the students - many of whom have never sung could truly tell how much the girls involved enjoyed being in as part of an ensemble before! - and Mr Chapman, as all of them the choir. have worked hard over the last few weeks to make these songs sound as fun and uplifting as they did. The last soloist to perform was Annabel Beniston, who played a Double Bass solo called 'Vocalise'. The Double Bass is a Then came the first soloist of the night, Leora Molnar, who sang an particularly difficult instrument to perform a solo on (as opera piece called 'Le Secret' about a woman's declaration of her generally it is an accompanying instrument!) but Annabel did previously secret love. Leora's voice truly soared through the hall, not fail to make her solo exciting and engaging for everyone with many of the audience being shocked by her range, tone and listening. the fact she did not use a microphone! The final act of the night was the senior selective choir of RGS, Next, the RGS Chamber Orchestra performed 'String Quartet No. NChant. Once again led by Mrs Woodman, we have been 12 (American) Mov. 1' by Dvorak. This group is the senior strings lucky enough to perform as part of the RGS choir tour to orchestra of the school, which consists of a few members from the Amsterdam and in the Songs of Praise final in the past year Symphony Orchestra. The piece was somewhat challenging for the alone. We performed 'Oh, Think of Me', a song dedicated to a group as we did not have a conductor so instead had to listen young man who took his life at the age of 13, and 'Great, Great carefully to each other but the end result was something we were all Morning' a more upbeat gospel song. As always, I loved very proud of. performing with the choir who have become a family to me over the last 3 years. The second soloist to perform in the first half was Carla John, who played 'Remote Xianggelia'. The challenging piano solo was Overall, the Autumn Concert was truly a night to be absolutely beautiful, conjuring up imagery of a distant paradise for remembered. Thank you to all of the ensembles and soloists every person listening in the hall. I was truly transfixed on her who helped make the night so enthralling for everyone who performance. attended. Then, a further thank you to all of the teachers (including our accompanist John Hayden) and staff who made The final act of the first half was Chorisma, led by the Choral the night possible. We are now all working towards the RGS Director of the Thinking Schools Trust, Mrs Woodman. Chorisma Carol Service, Tea Time Concert and RGS Young Musician of are a selective choir for students from years 4-8 who often perform the Year which are coming up in the next few months and are in RGS concerts. As always, they did not disappoint! Their sure to be just as amazing as the Autumn Concert. renditions of 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough', 'You've got a Friend in Me' and 'Video Killed the Radio Star' all appealed to April Wells, 12 Tm2 different members of the audience, with harmonies and even some choreography to complete their performance. Issue 1 2019 Page 7

TEA TIME CONCERT

On Tuesday 26th November 2019, the RGS Music Department held a teatime concert which was designed to allow students to volunteer for a performance opportunity in a more relaxed environment. The concert was a resounding success, with acts varying from a piano and vocal solos to a Year 9 violin quartet and various rock bands, all of which were remarkably talented and skilled in their performances. Performing in the concert, whilst nerve wracking, has been such a good experience, as it allows you to share what you’ve been working on in your private lessons in a relaxed environment, which helps when preparing for exams and assessments, as you are required to perform to an examiner, or you can perform just because you love music. A big thankyou to those students who performed; the standard was very high. Look out for the next Tea Time Concert in the Spring term.

Kayleigh Shaw, 10 By1 and Sophie O’Gorman, 10 Tm6

RGS CAROL SERVICE

On Monday 9th December, the annual RGS Christmas Carol Service once again took place at . It was a night to get into the festive spirit as all of the Music Department came together to put on a fantastic service.

Throughout the evening, a mixture of music was played by the different ensembles of the school. The service opened with Once in Royal David’s City, in which Emma Beniston sung the solo, before continuing on to readings from staff and students and more traditional carols such as Silent Night and Hark! the Herald angels sing. The RGS Symphony Orchestra played “Have yourself a merry little Christmas” by Hugh Martin, the RGS Chamber Orchestra performed their rendition of “White Christmas” by Irving Berlin, the Year 7 choir and Dynamic Voices dazzled with “Walking in the Air” by Howard Blake, before NChant had three spectacular performances of “Almost There”, “For Him all stars have shone” and “this little Babe”.

It was an enjoyable evening full of festivities that will be sure to be repeated next year!

Jessica Rooke 10 Fv1& Ivy Rushforth, 10 By3

NCHANT IN SSAFA CONCERT

On Friday 18th October 2019, NChant participated in a charity concert in Rochester Cathedral along with the Brompton Military Wives Choir, The Swingtime Sweethearts and a lone piper!

The evening was a fundraiser for the military charity SSAFA, which supports ex-servicemen and women in the UK.

NChant sang three songs on their own as well as combining with the other performers in the finale ‘Jerusalem’.

Despite the chill of the cathedral, the girls’ singing was beautiful and they were warmly received by a capacity audience.

It was great to collaborate with the Military Wives Choir and we hope to work with them on future ventures.

Mrs Woodman Choral Director Page 8 RGS Newsletter

NCHANT IN J OINT CONCERT WITH VOX ANIMA— S EPTEMBER 2019

On Monday 30th September 2019, a marvellous evening It is hoped that future collaboration will be possible! occurred with the collaboration of NChant and Vox Anima at the Guildhall Museum in Rochester, a beautiful venue to By Zoe Shakespeare, 12 Tm4 perform in.. The evening consisted of multiple songs chosen by both choirs and their conductors. The audience was small (approximately 70) yet intimate, which allowed the guests to Mrs Woodman received a lovely email from the Vox Anima enjoy an informal but close-up choral experience! conductor, following this event:

Before the programme began, members of both choirs had time “I wanted to say again what a wonderful time we had last night with to socialise with one another before a quick run-through of our you and your outstanding choir. Please let them know that the ladies joint item. of Vox Anima were so impressed with their singing and immensely enjoyed the collaboration. Vox Anima (am all-female chamber choir of 14 ladies) performed six delightful, contrasting songs of varying levels of Your girls sing with such precision and engagement. I know that you difficulty. Showing their versatility and vocal competence. must be proud of them and enjoy working with such gifted young NChant sang three songs as well as featuring four women on a regular basis. It was a delight to conduct the combined instrumental/vocal soloists too. choirs--NChant were right there with me through every phrase. They are clearly well-trained and inspired by your leadership.” The choirs joined together to sing the hauntingly beautiful ‘ Oh,Think Of Me’. This was an amazing experience for NChant – both to listen to and to sing with voices of greater maturity and higher skill. A real treat!

During the interval, the choirs had time to rehydrate and converse with guests (including parents, grandparents and friends). The feedback from the guests was that they loved the musicality, dedication, commitment and passion for singing, that was clearly evident in all the performances.

We want to thank all the guests for supporting us on such a special evening; all those who helped set up the evening and the conductors for co-ordinating this new venture.

C HOIRS AT CARE HOMES

On Friday 13th December it Christmas Jumper day in school and helping the Christmas cheer were the Year 7 Choir and Dynamic Voices (our whole school choir) who went out to sing for residents of local care homes. Dynamic Voices went to Friston House Care Home whilst half of Year 7 Choir went to Valley View Care Home and the other half went to Copper Beeches Care Home. As always, the choirs were fantastic and all the residents thoroughly enjoyed the carols and Christmas songs performed by the girls. Year 7 Choir and Dynamic Voices showed the kindness and compassionate attitude that we pride ourselves on at RGS and the feedback from the care homes was that they had brought lots of happiness and joy to the residents. Well done to all involved and they will have earned their Christmas dinner they will have later today.

Mr Chapman Director of Music Issue 1 2019 Page 9

N EW E XECUTIVE TEAM

I am very pleased to introduce the new Executive Officer Team, comprised of Brooke Bettey, Treasure Chisom-Nwosu, Anya Johnson, Chloe Payne and April Wells. The process for appointing this team was incredibly rigorous, with students completing detailed application forms, having an interview with the outgoing Executive Officer Team, and completing a lunch time duty with a member of the Senior Team, just to narrow down to the final ten candidates. Those final ten then completed speeches in whole school assemblies and then were interviewed by Mrs Wadey and myself. The quality of the applicants was simply outstanding this year and should all be commended on their performance in this process. We really struggled to narrow down to the final ten let alone the final five, but are really pleased that these five students will make an outstanding Executive Officer team.

Already these students have delivered a whole school assembly, helped to arrange our hugely successful “Pudsey Party” and worked to help the school gather Christmas boxes full of gifts and essential products to be donated to a local homeless charity. I look forward to working with these students in order to shape the school in the future.

Ms Hemming Assistant Principal KS5

C REATIVITY, ACTIVITY AND S ERVICE

This year, Year 7 students have been engaging in a range of 150 hours, including completing a fun run for charity. Our runners activities outside of their lessons to collect hours for their CAS up include Grace Halls in Cassidy, Fareeda Towobola in Fitzgerald, cards. Students are able to log the hours that they participate Naysa Obazogbon in Hildegard, Hannah James in Somerville and in different activities to show the different Creativity, Activity Gurjeevan Sandhu in Tomlinson. Achievements of those who were and Service that they have been contributing to outside of their runners up include supporting students at a local , lessons. CAS encourages students to be well-rounded being involved in the poppy appeal and attending STEM club. All of individuals and engage in the wider community, whether it be those nominated have contributed so much outside of lessons and volunteering, fundraising, or attending sports clubs. have proven themselves to be invaluable citizens. Year 7s will continue to collect their CAS hours throughout the school hours and Over the last two terms, our students have proven themselves we look forward to seeing the amazing ways in which they contribute to be fantastic global citizens through some impressive to the world around them. achievements. Our Year 7 CAS Champion for terms 1 and 2 is Leah Green in Byron who has completed an unbelievable Miss Walsh, Lead Practitioner for Thinking

S ICKLE CELL DONATION

Students engaged in a range of cultural activities during the previous academic year, which provided enriching experiences to the school community. Students have raised money for the Sickle Cell Society by holding a Multicultural Tag Day, a Fashion Show and all the fun activities in between. Students managed to raised a total of £2553.67 to aid the charity in its work to combat a disease that predominantly affects ethnic monitories.

This would not have been possible without the steely determination of over 130 students and staff. It is an achievement that displays the generosity of the school community and sets a fantastic benchmark for this academic year.

Michelle Ngugi, 13G Page 10 RGS Newsletter

S PORTS NEWS TERMS 1 & 2 FIXTURE INFORMATION Since September, during extracurricular activities, the Trophy and the team walked away with an impressive 12-0 victory girls have been working really hard. In netball, we had our 7a against . The U13 team played against team play against Rainham Mark Grammar School, it was a School and won 4-1. The U14 team played close game but resulted in a 1-2 loss for RGS. 7a also played Westlands School and won 2-0 giving them their second victory in against Fort Pitt, which ended in a 4-6 loss, but the 7a team the C & S Trophy. Our U18 team played Ursuline College in the walked away with an outstanding performance against Silver Jubilee Trophy and won 2-0. The U13 team then played Chatham Grammar with a 9-0 win. Our 7b team played against against Maidstone GS for Girls and had an impressive 7-1 victory. Rainham Mark ending in a 2-10 loss as well as playing against Our U14 team played Maidstone GS for Girls, it was a tense game Fort Pitt where they faced a tough game and ended in a 4-5 which unfortunately ended as a 2-1 loss. Next, the U18 team played defeat. Next, we have our 8a team firstly playing against against Sandwich TS that also ended with a 2-0 defeat. In futsal the Rainham Mark, which finished with an impressive 14-8 victory. U13 team finished with a well-deserved 14-5 victory and finally in The 8a team also played against Fort Pitt, which resulted in a the U13 competition, our team won with a spectacular 15-0 win 9-3 victory. Our 8b team had a tough game against Rainham against . Mark, which ended with a 1-2 loss, but the 8b team secured a victory against Fort Pitt in their next game with a 10-8 win. Our Next we have the East of school pistol shooting st 9a team did well in their game against Rainham Mark with a championships, Megan Batchelor secured 1 place and nd 16-13 win. The 9b team played against Robert Napier which Holly Batchelor secured 2 at intermediate class. Abigail Batchelor nd ended in an 8-9 loss as well as a 0-12 loss against Rainham came 2 in the senior class managing to beat British shooting team Mark. The U16 team played Rainham Mark and ended with a members. Megan, Holly and Abbie all qualified for the National comfortable victory of 17-8. Our U16B team played 2 games, finals in January. firstly against Rainham Mark which ended as a 7-12 defeat and the second game against Chatham Grammar ending with a Finally, in cross-country Gabriella Horne and Alice Stawowska close 12-13 loss. represented the South East to become Inter Regional Team Champions outside of school. We also had out school cross- Our students were also busy with tournaments in handball, country competition where our Year 7, 8 and 9 teams came first netball and the U16 Kent netball finals. Unfortunately, the U16 and our Year 10 and 11 team came second. Special mentions need team narrowly missed the regional qualifications despite beating to go to Josephine Bassett and Gabriella Horne who came first and both the 1st and 2nd placed teams in their matches. In the U14 third respectively in the Year 8 and 9 competition. Also out of the netball tournament, the girls achieved a total of 25 points, 18 girls that competed for RGS, 13 of them came in the top 16 for securing 4th position in their pool. The U16 team performed their age category meaning they were invited to represent Medway extremely well leaving them with 35 points, securing 1st place, at the next stage of the competition. and the U19 team finished 8th in their tournament. Finally, in handball the U13’s came 8th and the U15’s finished 6th. Sonia Ashar, 12 Sv2

Next are the football fixtures, the first game was against in the U16s girls competition which was an extremely close game but ended as a 2-3 loss. The second game was played by the U14 team in the girls C&S

RGS CHARITY FUNDRAISING

MONEY RAISED: SEPTEMBER TO DECEMBER 2019

Amount Date Donation Charity Name Raised September 2019 Tag Day Danny’s Dandelion Appeal 1,052.99 November 2019 Children in Need Children in Need 342.09 December 2019 Christmas Jumper Day Save the Children 202.50 1,597.58 Page 11 RGS Newsletter

C HILDREN IN NEED

Friday 15th November was Children in Need and RGS got involved in supporting this great cause. Spurred on by the fact that six local children’s projects received over £500 000 from Children in Need last year, the school was looking to contribute in its own unique way. A host of activities took place in that week but there were two standout events. The ‘Battle of the Bands’ on Friday lunchtime saw a staff band compete against a student band for the title of ‘Best Band in School’. Both bands were exceptional and all those who paid to watch were thoroughly entertained. Who won is not important because in such a rousing performance it was music and charity that were the real winners… but for the record the students did win. There was also raffle with some enticing prizes. First prize was £10 for the individual whose ticket was drawn along with a tag day for their entire house. Second prize was again £10 for the individual ticket holder and exclusive use of Café 6 for a day for everyone in their tutor group. The tag day was won by Byron House and getting to use Café 6 for the day went to Cassidy 1. In total, we raised over £340.

Mr Dowling, Assistant Princpal

J APAN 2019

This past October, groups of students from architecture such as Odawara castle day of visiting the Kobe gardens ropeway Rochester and Holcombe Grammar schools which allowed me to see the differences which showed lovely views of gardens and embarked on a combined trip to Japan. It was between older style architecture in the of Kobe as a whole. While we were in a country rich in culture and experiences that UK and Japan. The tours of the castles Kobe we visited Kobe high school which I hope to be able to visit again. Our activities also impressed upon me an was interesting to me because it showed the varied from an experience of Japanese school understanding of some Japanese history differences between schools in the UK and and home life to visiting traditional temples to do with Odawara castle in particular, schools in Japan. For example, the style of and shrines. On arrival in Japan our day was which allowed me to further appreciate teaching and class sizes were different to in full of cultural activities. For example, an our visit. the UK, as there are usually 45-50 students abacus workshop that taught us the way a in each class compared to 30 in our traditional abacus could be used to improve classrooms. mental maths; it was amazing to see how fast the children could do mental maths after Furthermore, the traditional food we tried using the abacus for a few years. while we were in Japan was delicious. My favourite had to be tonkatsu which opened One of the most memorable things we did me up to different tastes of food. I took this during the trip to Yokosuka (Medway’s sister opportunity to try foods that I had hardly city) where we visited the family temple and ever tried before, for example, octopus. gravestone of William Adams who as many When my host family and I made takoyaki of us later learned was the first English together I tried octopus for the first time samurai who came to Japan in the 1600s and I liked it more than I expected. from Gillingham where he was born and raised. The importance of Will Adams also Lastly, on our last night in Japan we spent known as Miura Anjin was impressed upon a fun evening doing karaoke in a us due to him representing how Japan restaurant. Everyone was so relaxed and embraces diversity, the expression of different showcased everyone’s singing talent. It was nationalities and the power languages can Another highlight of the trip to me was a lovely way to end the trip and to celebrate provide. Will Adams was a man who helped the homestay with my host family. friendships made between Holcombe the Japanese build a new style of boat and Although I was initially anxious to be Grammar and Rochester Grammar. was granted a lordship which led to him staying with a family I had never met; remaining in Japan until his death. they welcomed me into their home Japan was truly an experience that I will kindly. They had so much enthusiasm never forget and something that I will During our time, visiting Tokyo, we went up to learn about British culture and always be thankful for. I hope to visit again the Tokyo Tower and this allowed me to see language which put me at easier in their in the future. the beautiful Tokyo skyline on a sunny day. home, I felt that I had built a friendship Also, my personal experience in the shopping with my host and her family. On our Zara Odetunde, 13G district Akihabara allowed me to shop for my way to Shin-Kobe the rush of jumping interest in electronics, anime and manga. off and on bullet trains excited me Also, we visited traditional Japanese enough to stave off my tiredness for our Page 12 RGS Newsletter

SENIOR CITIZENS’ CHRISTMAS PARTY

The Senior Citizens Christmas Party was apprehensions about dancing melted away period alone, which caused us to realise again another success. It was so as we all grooved with some of the senior the importance of events like these and rewarding seeing the room full of smiles, citizens under the shiny tinsel and lights in reflect on how lucky we are to spend time laughter and dancing from the young the hall as the band played a range of with our loved ones while we still can. and old alike. Kick starting people’s songs, including One Direction! Christmassy season positively and The kindness that we all showed, from making them feel just that little bit more Talents were also expressed in the kitchen, those who took time to make invitations special gave us such a euphoric with some people bringing in marvellous and decorate the hall to those who sensation. It was also a lovely foods to be eaten. I’m sure many of the prepared entertainment, went a long way; opportunity to have the different Year 12s can agree that the range of foods, all of your hard work is acknowledged. generations, that otherwise probably from samosas to cupcakes, made for an Thank you to everyone who was involved wouldn’t cross paths, to congregate enchanting smell wafting through the in making the evening so wonderful, together. building! particularly all of the Year 12 students and the Sixth Form Team. As usual, the talent we have at RGS was It was also satisfying to provide the people displayed during all of the performances with gifts during the raffle. The Treasure Chisom-Nwosu and Chloe that evening. Singers singing our excitement that some of them would have Payne favourite Christmas songs presented their when they heard their number being Executive Officers acts alongside dancers and actors called was so endearing. displaying the stressful (albeit quite amusing) stresses of Christmas Speaking to the senior citizens, all with preparations. different backgrounds and stories to tell, was gratifying. The entire experience was A particular highlight of the whole event a way of prompting us to appreciate those was a performance from a band in our community outside of school. It composed of our fellow Year 12s, which was also a reminder that many people got everyone on their feet. Any unfortunately do spend the Christmas

W INDRUSH PROJECT

This year RGS were offered an exciting and one-off opportunity to support a joint venture between the Medway African and Caribbean Society (MACA) and the Historic Dockyard Chatham. MACA and the Dockyard had collaborated again to create an exhibition that showcased the tremendous contributions of the Windrush generation. On Friday 1st November there was to be a launch of the exhibition at the Dockyard; and MACA asked RGS to create and perform a song especially to celebrate the occasion. They offered us the musical guidance of the wonderful Alexander D’ Great, and of course we jumped at the chance to write and perform with a musician of such calibre for such an important event. Alex came and worked with 10 students from Year 7 and 8 over the course of a day and a half to write, put to music and practice the song. The students, some of the youngest in our school community, did a awe inspiring job in creating an original song entitled ‘We Should Make a Change’. With the help of the musicians among them, they also added instruments to the performance. They so inspired Alexander D’Great that he spoke of them very highly on BBC Radio Kent. On the day of the opening, the girls performed with professionalism and were in excellent voice,: receiving many comments of praise from guests and the media. Some of the students spoke eloquently and with authority to both ITV Meridian and BBC South East and we made 6 o’clock news slots on both programmes- a testament to the skill and hard work the students demonstrated during the course of a challenging and thought provoking project.

Mrs Still Issue 1 2019 Page 13

A RT TRIP—IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM

In Year 10, our chosen stimulus for GCSE Art is war and who played jazz in secret when the Nazis banned it. conflict, so the school decided to take us to the Imperial War Museum. It was a great experience and extremely interesting to These expeditions helped me expand my ideas for my art see the different expeditions on show like ‘Culture Under coursework and realise the war and conflict doesn’t just relate to Attack’ and the ‘First and Second World War’. In these the First and Second World War but things like music, terrorism, exhibitions, we saw posters dating back to the first world war, environment etc. This has inspired me to branch out into ideas medals from war heroes and photographs from modern wars. It about man vs nature and controversial topics that people might was intriguing to see these objects, especially as someone who is have conflict about. Overall, the day was really useful in helping a big history nerd. One of my particular favourites, was a tank me branch out more in my course work ideas and develop them used in the first world war named “mother.” The tank was made further into visual styles and projects. in 1916 by Tritton and Wilson, who also designed other military machines. It was named “mother” because it was the first tank Katie Jezard 10 By6 to be engaged in battle and therefore the “mother” of all battle tanks. It was amazing to see all the nuts and bolts, each screw and cog that helped create the metal monstrosity that killed soldiers from the opposing side, one of the first ever tanks that paved the way for too many others. I was so fascinated by it, that it inspired some of the work in my coursework like a pen sketch of part of the tank and a drawing of the remains of a fighter plane.

In addition, I enjoyed looking around the ‘Culture Under Attack’ exhibition. The objects on display were fascinating to see, like a photograph from Ireland when there were terrorist attacks by the IRA or going through the Rebel Sounds part of the expedition and listening to the musicians who would have been attacked due to their music like the Frankfurt Hot Club

Y EAR 12 AND 13 ART VISITS TATE MODERN AND THE BP AWARDS AT THE NATIONAL PORTRAILT GALLERY

A Level Fine Art and IB Visual Art We then visited the Tate Modern for The visit was excellent in building bonds students visited the BP Awards students to explore artworks that relate to between the group, in students exploring exhibition. This is an annual portraiture their independent units of work. They ideas for their own work and in the competition held at the National Portrait experience of seeing multiple art pieces first Gallery in London, England. It is the hand. Our students (as always) were an successor to the John Player Portrait absolute credit to RGS Award. It is the most important portrait Mrs Gregory Assistant Principal and Curriculum Leader of Art

produced primary research drawings of their selected pieces and annotated how they were specifically inspired by the prize in the world, and is reputedly one of artists. the most prestigious competitions in contemporary art. After the intensity of two gallery visits in one day, we then had an Art group meal. Page 14 RGS Newsletter

A IR AMBULANCE POEMS

Last year the school supported the Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance Trust, and in October this year, the charity contacted the school to say that they would like to feature a poem written by a local student at their Christmas Carol Concert in Rochester Cathedral. They were very keen for RGS to be involved in the project which had a prize of four complementary tickets for the winner and their family to attend the Carol Concert, where the student would also be asked to read their poem should they wish to.

The charity asked that students wrote a poem centred around the festive season and about the work of the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance; ideally upbeat and cheery! It could be centred around any part of their work, whether it be the service that they deliver, the crew, fundraising and volunteers or patients that had benefitted from their life-saving care. Students got to work enthusiastically researching the charity and then composing their own poem. A selection was sent to the charity who came up with a short list of three and then chose their winner. The winning poem was written by Lauren Ellis in 9Hg and she will now be reading her poem in front of her family and a packed Cathedral on Monday 16 December. However, the charity were so impressed by all three poems on their short list, that they have added an additional prize for all three students and have invited them and their families to visit their base at Rochester Airport and hopefully see the helicopter and meet one of the crews, when the students will also be presented with a certificate. The other two successful students were Vera Uzoegbu in 7Tm and Sienna Brocker in 7Hg. Congratulations to Lauren, Vera and Sienna for their winning poems and a big thank you to all those who took part.

Miss Cumming Curriculum Leader of English

KENT AIR AMBULANCE COMPETITION

Keep us Flying high The Christmas day and Christmas night As twinkly lights shine down below We’re here to save those who need it most For time is of the essence And to make a difference, a moment is all we need For you to all help for support and good deeds. For as a community we need to help and show care For the good things that are important and all the joy we should share WE ARE THE AMBULANCE IN THE SKY

When we fly out for a call In every house there are cheers, Out priority is safety and help for you all Men in pubs drinking beers. We map out the routes and services near by Boys in suits, So we can spot those in need quicker from the sky Cats in boots, Every person on the Air Ambulance team Eating Christmas Pie. Has one goal that they try to achieve We Are The Ambulance In The Sky. To help those who need it most

In times of desperate need. During Christmas time,

When family’s dine. So while you eat your Christmas dinner If you look up in the sky, Open the presents and watch the box of chocolates get thinner You’ll see us flying high. Take a moment of your time Trustworthy, a word we are well known for, To gaze up upon the sky Helping others right to our core, And know that there’s help on the way You can always rely, To save a person’s day We Are The Ambulance In The Sky. As we fly and as we aim

Above and beyond. Not a minute to spare,

We’ll be right there, Lauren Ellis, 9Hg5 Helicopters on their way, We have come her to stay Saving lives, Makes us thrive, As we fly. We Are The Ambulance In The Sky.

Sienna Brocker, 7Hg1 Issue 1 2019 Page 15

THE AIR AMBULANCE IS COMING TO TOWN

It’s very loud It’s very loud But have no doubt But have no doubt The air ambulance The air ambulance Is coming to town Is coming to town

Snow is falling all around The aura was nothing ever felt before Very jolly without a doubt The life changing ambulance took off Christmas eve, angels on trees Looking out of the window, the patient could see An injured person, not heard or seen Her family and friends were very relieved

It’s very loud It’s very loud But have no doubt But have no doubt The air ambulance The air ambulance Is coming to town Is coming to town

The streets are bare – it’s very late The 25th was a bliss Kids are sleeping with a smile on their face She was saved – the best Christmas gift But there is a cry – someone’s awake Al thanks to the air ambulance Can you see Santa in his black and white sleigh? Family and friends were together at last

It’s very loud It’s very loud But have no doubt But have no doubt The air ambulance The air ambulance Is coming to town Is coming to town

Above and beyond, the ambulance was Vera Uzoegbu, 7 Tm6 The neighbourhood was flooded with the patents loves The sleigh landed but Santa wasn’t seen It was the air ambulance to help yippee!

GOLD D UKE OF E DINBURGH AWARD

Leadership skills, teamwork and dedication are some of many qualities that were enhanced through our 4-day trek in Dartmoor for our Gold DofE assessed expedition. Within our groups, we faced many challenges, both physical and mental, and through our persistence and personal growth, we exceeded our goals. From walking on a variety of different terrain to getting lost at times, DofE was a memorable experience. It was definitely a difficult journey but the skills and friends made along the way created a worthwhile award. DofE pushes your beyond your limits and you accomplish goals that you never believed you could. I believe DofE is such a rewarding and unique experience, and we are all privileged to have had this opportunity to complete the award.

Harleen Dhillon 13D

Our Duke of Edinburgh expedition, back in August allowed us to achieve things we believed were unachievable, this endurance allowed us to learn new things from our experiences as a team. Despite having a smaller group and battling the heat, we were still able to complete the distance and keep our morale high. The kindness and generosity we all experienced from the Leaders, helped us complete this achievement, by continuously ensuring we were safe and had enough water. As a whole, the experience has shaped us and allowed us to see pats of our country that we would not have seen otherwise.

Jessica Peters, 11 Cd1 Page 16 RGS Newsletter

F UTURE EVENTS:

This year’s whole school production, The Crucible, takes place on Thursday 6th, Friday 7th and Saturday 8th February 2020. The play, by Arthur Miller, is a partially fictionalised story based on the Salem witch trials that took place in Massachusetts during 1692-1693.

Rehearsals have been well underway this term, with auditions taking place last term, for this year’s show. Students from all year groups are in the cast, and they have been working hard to learn lines, understand their characters and tackle some challenging issues explored in the play.

We hope to see you at one of our performances.

Further information regarding purchasing tickets will be Parentmailed out after Christmas.

Celebrating 10 Years!

The will be performing its 10th annual charity dance show on 13th‑15th February 2020. Over 80 students have worked since September in numerous roles including choreography, performance, set production and advertising to produce a spectacular show.

It is really exciting to have reached this 10 year milestone, having worked with hundreds of students over the years and making £36,134 for 8 different charities. The title of this year’s production “Flair X” is a celebration of those 10 years and includes a range of songs that we have used over the last 9 shows.

We are thrilled to be supporting Parkinson’s UK in 2020. This charity funds research aimed at finding better treatments and improving the understanding of Parkinson's and its causes. The charity offers support and information to people affected by Parkinson's, their fam- ilies and carers through a network of 350 local groups across the UK.

Dates: 13th-15th February 2020 Doors Open: 6.30PM Show Starts: 7PM Prices: Adults £8.50, Concessions £6.50 Page 17 RGS Newsletter

L OOKING AHEAD — I MPORTANT DATES FOR TERMS 3&4 2020

Monday 6th Jan CPD - Students not in school Tuesday 7th Jan Start of Term 3 07-17 Jan Year 12 Formal unseen mocks (Btec GPR, Core Maths) 07-17 Jan Year 12 A level and IB unseen assessments in lessons 15-Jan Year 11 into 12 Open Evening 20-24 Jan Year 8 Unseen exams in lessons 23-Jan Young Musician of the Year 24-Jan Year 11 Taster Day 24-Jan Year 12 and 13 Project Day 27-Jan Year 11 Mock MFL Orals 27-Jan Year 8 Visit to Dungeness Power Station 29-Jan Year 8 Parents' Evening 1 05-Feb Year 11 Parents' Evening 5-8 Feb School Production 12-Feb Year 8 Parents Evening 2 13-15 Feb Flair Production 14-Feb Last Day of Term 2 17 to 21 Feb Half Term 24-Feb Start of Term 4 24 Feb- 6 Mar Year 11 Unseen exams in lessons 24-28 Feb IB MFL Oral Exams 26-Feb Year 13 Parents' Evening 02-Mar Year 13 A level Unseen Exams in lessons 3-5 Mar Year 12IB TOK presentation days 2/3 Mar Year 7 Art Trip 06-Mar Year 9 Duke of Edinburgh training 9-13 Mar Year 13 A level unseen exams in lessons 6-13 Mar Science Week 12-Mar Year 9/10 ICT/Computing Science trip 13-Mar STEM Rotary Club tournament 16-18 Mar Year 10 Visit to Belguim 30 Mar to 1 Apr Year 13IB Art Exhibition 30-Mar Multi-cultural week 2/3 Apr Year 7 Globe Trip 03-Apr Last Day of Term 2 Easter 6-17 April Monday 20 Apr Start of Term 5

The full newsletter can be downloaded from the RGS website.